Description: Caprellidea have no abdomen to speak
of. The thoracic segments are long and slender, and as a result the
legs are widely spaced. In some, certain legs are missing altogether,
although the gills that typically grow from the bases of the legs survive
as little fleshy pads or clubs.

How to Distinguish from Similar Species: Amphipods
within the suborder Caprellidea are all relatively similar, although they
are easier to differentiate between than the rest of the amphipods.
A dissecting microscope is necessary in order to tell the differences between
Caprellidea.

Geographical Range: Temperate areas

Depth Range: Intertidal

Habitat: These amphipods are intertidal and commonly
found among small algal clumps.

Biology/Natural History: These are among the most
bizarre and interesting amphipods. These elongate animals bear clinging
feet at both the forward and the rear ends. Most of the body consists
of elongate thoracic segments; the abdomen is much reduced. These
animals have gills on the fourth and fifth pairs of thoracic segments only.
They remind one of a praying mantis, partly because of their general form
and partly because of the appearance of their prehensile first and second
legs. It is interesting to watch their looping movements: they attach
themselves by their more anterior legs as they let go with the legs that
are in the rear portion of the body; then, after bringing the hind end
forward, they attach themselves by the rear legs again. They may
remain motionless much of the time. Some of the caprellids associated
with hydroids nip off the polyps and eat them; others feed mostly on diatoms
and detritus.